Stereological investigation on the effects of metaproterenol, pilocarpine and atropine administration on the human lacrimal gland

Abstract

Specimens of human lacrimal glands, obtained from patients premedicated with metaproterenol, pilocarpine and atropine, were examined with the electron microscope. No visible alterations of the secretory cells were observed, except an enlargement of the intercellular spaces after pilocarpine administration. However, quantitative changes induced by the autonomic drugs could be found by applying stereological techniques. The volume of secretory granules was found to be increased by atropine, which also had the effect of reducing the villi on the luminal surface. On the other hand, pilocarpine and metaproterenol had the opposite effect of reducing the volume of secretory granules, while enhancing the formation of the surface villi. Cell and nuclear volumes did not appear appreciably affected by the treatments.